The Apprentice Stone loomed over me, runes carved deep into its surface, humming like it was alive. I hated how the Beacon had been pulsing in my pack all day, whispering in the back of my mind like it couldn't wait to annoy me again. And sure enough, her voice came, sharp as ever.
"Place the Beacon near the stone."
I let out a breath through my teeth. "Yeah, because it's always that simple."
I pulled it out, the damn thing glowing brighter the closer it got to the stone. The air around me grew heavy, almost hard to breathe. Still, I crouched down and set it against the base.
The second I let go, the world blew up in light. Blinding, searing—like staring into the sun. I swore and stumbled back, covering my eyes.
When the brightness eased, I lowered my arm… and froze.
Someone was standing there.
A girl.
Silver-blonde hair, long enough it caught the glow. A dress that looked more carved than stitched. Eyes burning gold, locking straight onto me. She didn't need to say anything—I knew. My stomach sank even before the word left my mouth.
"...Meridia?"
She tilted her head, the same exact presence I'd felt since the day I touched that Beacon now standing in flesh and blood. Her voice carried like it always did, but this time softer, more human."Yes. What you see is but a fragment of me, given shape through your efforts. When you cleansed my temple, a portion of my strength was restored."
I blinked, not sure if I should be terrified or laugh. "So you… decided to turn into a person? Just like that?"
"I chose this form so my guidance would no longer be wasted as a disembodied command," she said, lifting her chin like she was reciting holy law. "With me beside you, my light strengthens you. You will not need to squander that Beacon's power any longer."
I dragged a hand over my face. "Great. So what, you're tagging along now? Like some kind of… companion?"
Her eyes narrowed. I swear I could feel her glare burn a hole through me."Do not reduce me to that role. I am no mere follower. I am Meridia, Prince of Life and Light. To walk beside you is a gift far beyond your worth."
I almost laughed, mostly out of nerves. "Right. A gift. Sure feels like you're just moving in without asking."
Her golden eyes softened, but only for a second. "Do not mistake my presence for kindness. You are still untested. Weak. It is only because of me that your body has not yet broken under the weight of fate."
"...Thanks?" I muttered.
She crossed her arms, looking away. For someone who claimed she wasn't here out of kindness, she sure seemed… restless."Do not expect me to praise your efforts. You stumble, you hesitate, and yet… you did not falter entirely in my temple. That is why I remain."
I tilted my head, watching her. There it was again—that edge. Like she wanted to insult me, but couldn't help sounding like she gave a damn. A tsundere Daedric Prince. Figures.
"So, what happens now?" I asked finally. "You're just… stuck with me?"
Her eyes flicked back to me, sharp again."I remain only as long as I will it. I can fade back into the Beacon at any moment. But for now… yes. You will move forward, and I will ensure you do not waste this chance."
I sighed, shaking my head. "Guess my journey just got a hell of a lot more complicated."
The Beacon itself was gone now, absorbed into her. All that was left was the girl in front of me, radiating an aura I couldn't ignore.
Meridia. A Daedric Prince in human skin.And she wasn't leaving any time soon.